Kiehl’s is an American cosmetics brand retailer that specializes in premium skin, hair, and body care products. Founded in 1851 as a pharmacy in New York City’s East Village by John Kiehl, the company started as a homeopathic pharmacy. It was later acquired by one of Kiehl’s apprentice pharmacists, Irving Morse, in 1921. Irving Morse expanded the offerings by introducing a range of products including skin care, hair care, and herbal remedies. Aaron Morse, Irving’s son, joined the family business in the 1960s and added new products, including the iconic Kiehl’s Creme de Corps body lotion, which remains a bestseller to this day.

Kiehl’s continued to grow as a family-owned business until 2000 when it was acquired by L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company. The acquisition allowed Kiehl’s to expand its product line and reach a global audience. Despite the acquisition, Kiehl’s has maintained its commitment to quality, natural ingredients, and environmentally responsible practices.

The brand is known for its use of natural ingredients and its commitment to philanthropy. Kiehl’s products are formulated with a blend of botanical extracts, oils, and other naturally derived ingredients. Some of the brand’s most popular products include the Ultra Facial Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

Throughout its history, Kiehl’s has not disclosed any funding rounds, as it was a family-owned business for most of its existence. After its acquisition by L’Oréal, the brand has not undergone any additional acquisitions. Kiehl’s has not gone public, and as a subsidiary of L’Oréal, its financial information is included within L’Oréal’s financial statements.

Kiehl’s has formed partnerships with various organizations and celebrities to promote its products and raise awareness for social and environmental causes. In 2015, Kiehl’s partnered with actor Kevin Costner to promote its environmental initiatives, including the “Recycle and Be Rewarded” program, which encourages customers to return empty Kiehl’s product containers for recycling. Kiehl’s has also partnered with organizations like amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Waterkeeper Alliance to support their respective causes.

Throughout its history, Kiehl’s has received numerous awards and recognitions for its products and philanthropic efforts. In 2011, Kiehl’s was recognized with the CEW Beauty Insider’s Choice Award for its Midnight Recovery Concentrate. The brand has also received the Allure Best of Beauty Award for several products, including the Ultra Facial Cream and the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

Kiehl’s has also focused on providing customers with personalized experiences and consultations. In-store, Kiehl’s associates, known as KCRs (Kiehl’s Customer Representatives), offer expert advice on skincare and product recommendations tailored to individual needs. The brand also offers a “Healthy Skin Consultation” service, which includes a comprehensive skin evaluation and personalized product recommendations.

Kiehl’s dedication to environmental responsibility is reflected in its sustainable practices and initiatives. The brand uses minimal packaging, with many products housed in recyclable materials. Additionally, Kiehl’s has incorporated post-consumer recycled materials into its packaging to reduce its environmental impact. The “Recycle and Be Rewarded” program mentioned earlier also incentivizes customers to recycle their empty Kiehl’s containers in exchange for complimentary products.

In 2010, Kiehl’s launched the “Kiehl’s Gives” initiative, which focuses on three main pillars: HIV/AIDS research, environmental causes, and children’s well-being. Through this initiative, Kiehl’s has donated millions of dollars to various organizations and causes. For example, the brand has supported the Rainforest Foundation, which works to protect the rights and lands of indigenous people in the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, Kiehl’s has been a longstanding partner of amfAR, donating over $1.9 million to support HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and education programs.

Kiehl’s commitment to philanthropy extends to its employee volunteering program, which encourages employees to volunteer their time to support local communities and charitable organizations. In 2020, Kiehl’s employees collectively volunteered over 6,000 hours of service, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Overall, Kiehl’s has established itself as a premium cosmetics brand known for its high-quality, naturally-derived products and commitment to philanthropy and environmental responsibility. From its humble beginnings as a small pharmacy in New York City to its current status as a global brand under the L’Oréal umbrella, Kiehl’s continues to prioritize customer satisfaction, product innovation, and social and environmental causes. With a presence in over 30 countries and a loyal customer base, Kiehl’s remains a prominent player in the skincare and cosmetics industry.